How are turbine blades replaced?

Replacing turbine blades is a precise and careful process that involves ensuring balance and integrity in the turbine's performance. The correct approach for replacing a blade is to use a new blade that maintains the same moment weight as the blade being replaced. This is critical because replacing a single blade with one that does not match in weight can lead to imbalance, increased vibrations, and potential damage to the turbine.

Using a new blade of equal moment weight allows for the preservation of the turbine's operational characteristics, maintaining the performance and longevity of the engine. This practice ensures that the aerodynamic profiles and mass properties remain consistent across the blades, promoting a balanced rotor assembly.

Other options do not reflect the standard practice accepted in turbine maintenance. For instance, replacing all blades at once is not a common requirement unless undergoing a complete overhaul, and only replacing blades that are damaged beyond repair overlooks the importance of maintaining uniformity in weight and performance across all blades. While a standard replacement kit might include necessary parts, it does not inherently ensure that the replacement blades will match in moment weight, which is essential for proper operation.